What is the role of a fire investigator following an LODD?

The role of a fire investigator following a Line of Duty Death (LODD) is to determine the cause of the incident and gather evidence that can lead to safety improvements. This process is critical for understanding what went wrong during the event that resulted in the tragedy, allowing the department to implement necessary changes or reinforce existing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Investigators meticulously analyze all aspects of the incident, including operational procedures, equipment performance, and environmental conditions. Their findings can lead to crucial insights that enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the department.

While emotional support for the families of victims is important, it is not the primary function of the fire investigator. Assigning blame to individuals is typically not part of the role, as the objective is to focus on systemic issues rather than individual shortcomings. Conducting follow-up training for staff may occur as a result of the findings, but it is not a direct responsibility of the investigator. Their main focus remains on uncovering the facts surrounding the incident to drive improvements in safety and operational procedures.